Confrontation part 1
Melody had had it with this. She wanted this mess to be over as soon as possible. Sure, it was nice to be able to spend so much time with Ram, but it would be better if they didn't have to worry all the time about some shape shifter. Melody almost wanted to sneak out when the boys were asleep and go after that thing herself. She knew, however, that Ram and Jim would be more troubled by her disappearance then they were now. This just wasn't working, if they took action right now, they would be without any plan and if they waited any longer, it could be crucial later. Melody stared at the ceiling of her bedroom. She thought back to the fear that had taken over her, the moment she had faced that monstrous wall. Compared to that, it didn't matter at all that it would be three to one. If someone had a plan, he better say it, because Melody couldn't wait to be back home again. She missed the chats she had with Sebastian and Scuttle in the royal garden, but above all, she missed her parents.
Melody went to sit up straight. I'm going to the boys, surely one of them has an idea.
She putted on a sweater against the cold, that she suddenly felt after leaving the warmth of her bed and went to Jims' room where both he and Ram slept. When she got there and wanted to reach out for the door handle, she heard their voices talking. Out one of the words that they said, she could easily make out her own name. Melody drew back her hand and listened.
… "Melody anymore. She heard Ram say. He sighed. She never liked me other than a friend. You have a try Jim. I know she likes you."
Melody startled. She had to go back. This conversation was not meant for her to overhear. On the other hand, she wanted to know what Jim had to say.
"Well, this is all a bit strange to me. Replied Jim a bit uninterested. I know I admitted that I wanted to hold her when she asked me to, but she's also the first human girl I ever met. Can you tell me this isn't just natural?"
"Well I don't know that, but I do know that you don't just simply fall in love. That person have to have something special. I give you an example. One of my friends is a girl too, Lorene. I never felt she was more special than any other friend, but she is to her boyfriend. Look, I don't say that I'm not blaming you. In fact, I didn't like that scene between you two at the beach at all. Jim had to be giving him a strange look, because Ram continued. But don't listen to me, I'll get over it. Do as you please."
It was silent for a few seconds.
"I will see what I'll do." Replied Jim in a satisfied manner.
Melody stood frozen at the door. What now? She asked herself. I can't possibly go back. The noise of my feet in this sudden silence would give me away. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Guys. She started in a high voice. Melody pulled then herself together and cleared her throat. Guys, we need a plan." It was obviously that Ram and Jim hadn't expect her. They stared at her for a moment. Ram blinked with his eyes and spoke.
"Where did I hear that sentence before? He smirked at Jim.
"Not now Ram." To cover up her uneasiness as well as possible, Melody walked into the room and went to sit down. Not between them or next to Jim, that wouldn't be a good idea. Thought Melody. No, she went to sit down next to Ram, also to give him a good feeling about their friendship.
"Sorry. Apologized Ram still grinning. Would Morph be much help to us?" He then asked Jim.
"No, he's too small. That longboat was his limit."
Morph made to a sad, confirming sound.
"I have to see my parents. Said Melody determined. Not only because I want to, but also because that's where it all started."
"Are you sure? Asked Ram her. You said yourself that this could be dangerous."
"I'm with Melody. Interrupted Jim him, he looked fired up. We better get moving and sooner or later we have to face that shape shifter, right? I want to talk to this guy. Jim slapped his fist against the palm of his other hand. I'm sorry buddy, but he has a problem with me being here, so if you're with me (like Melody) you're in this problem."
Ram looked from Jim to Melody. "Alright, you got me. I said I would help you and I also promised Melody to protect her. Deal, but what's the plan, I mean how are we going to get there?"
They decided it would be best if they would go by taxi. By sea was impossible in many ways and Jims' air-board wasn't able to carry three people. In case they did meet the shape shifter, it was necessary for them to make up some strategies. That took some time, no one had really been in a fight before. Luckily for them, Jim could be surprisingly cunning and Ram knew a few physical tricks.
Melody would make sure that she'd be in a far distance when it could come to a fight, although she said that she could take care of herself.
Off they went. Jim took care of the payment of the taxi and Melody led them the way to the castle.
The road was long and Jim began in amazement to understand how far Melody was from home. Why did she even bother going this far, just to swim at some beach? Although it was obvious it had something to do with her wish to be free from the title as a princess, it was quite a step she had taken.
"Is something wrong, Jim?"Asked Melody him and Jim woke up from his thoughts.
"No, it's just that I never realized how far you are from home."
Suddenly they topped and everyone was thrown to the front.
"What happened? Asked Ram out loud. He leaned forward to speak with the driver. Sir?"
The driver sat still in his seat like a frozen statue. His eyes stared in front of him. Everyone followed his gaze and hold in their breaths. In front of the taxi stood a black massive horse with glowing, red eyes. When the horse breathed out some smoky air full of ash, the atmosphere around it seemed to change to a dark and gloomy one.
"Don't worry sir. Whispered Ram to the driver. Just let us out and get out of here."
"W-what are you saying? Could the man bring himself to say. T-that's suicide. I can't just let you guys walk to your deaths!"
"Trust me sir. Answered Jim. It won't kill us if we listen to what it wants. We're the ones it's after, you have to trust us."
"Alright. Said the driver and unlocked the doors. You have my best wishes of luck."
"Thank you." Jim, Ram and Melody stepped out. Melodies' breath was stuck in her throat and her shaky legs were not able to carry her weight for long. Ram gave her an arm, but she still hit the floor on her knees. "I-it's him." She whispered.
"You have learned to control that mouth of yours I see. Said the creature. It melted away to make way for a new form. A normal man was now standing before them, he was tall and skinny. His hat shadowed his eyes. Haven't you, sweetie?" He finished his sentence evilly.
"Who are you?" Asked Ram nearly out of his control by anger. The man laughed. It was a strange sound that wasn't stable at all. It was like he was using different voices to create it.
"well, I am not going to tell you. That is just not how I work, you see? I practically have no attention of talking to you, young man." The voice of the shape shifter sounded now like a normal unfriendly man in business.
